Fire in Franklin Co. Destroys Camper

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

Donations of clothing, food and household items are being requested for a Franklin County family who lost everything Monday morning when their home burned to the ground.

It happened at about 9 a.m. Monday just off of Highway 328 in the Gumlog community of Franklin County.

Gumlog Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Massey said it is believed the fire was started by a candle.

“There was a camper fire and both females got out,” said Massey. “There were no injuries. I feel like the candles probably got knocked over or something. There were two dogs that lived in the camper with them, so that is what I feel like probably happened, the dogs knocked the candle over and that is about all I know right now.”

Massey said the family was living in the camper, which he said was a pull-behind, without any heat or electricity.

According to Massey, it appeared the family was using multiple candles to heat the camper and stay warm.

“There was no power to the camper,” said Massey. “They were heating with candles. It was fully involved, pretty much on the ground when we got there. The Red Cross is working with them now to try to get them a place to stay.”

A Red Cross volunteer said the family did have a place to stay for the next night or two.

However, Massey said the camper was a total loss and the family, whose names have not been released, lost everything.

He is asking for the public’s help with donations of clothing, blankets and bedding, food, and household items.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to help this family can contact Massey at 706-491-3444.